Matsumoto to Takayama bus ⛰ how it was for me! ⛰ COST + PHOTOS ⛰ Japan travel blog

Hi there!

 

So you’re going from…

Matsumoto…

松本

 

 

…to Takayama!

高山

 

 

Is it easy?!

 

 

Well, there is a direct bus, so that does mean that it can make the process relatively simple!

 

 

🗾🚌

 

 

Now…

Here’s a bit of what it looks like to go from Matsumoto to Takayama by bus!

This is what it was like for me anyway!

I did this bus trip in March 2019.

 

Arrive at Matsumoto bus station

 

 

Buy a bus ticket to Takayama

If you walk straight once you enter the building, you will almost immediately see the bus ticket counter and waiting area.

This is where you can find out information about bus timings from Matsumoto, as well as buy bus tickets.

 

 

 

What are the bus timings?

These were the listed bus timings for Matsumoto to Takayama when I was there.

 

 

It’s best to confirm at the bus station as bus timings can change, but this can give you an idea of what kind of frequency to expect.

So basically you can find buses possibly every 2 hours.

I bought my bus ticket on the day I was headed to Takayama and it was a pretty empty bus.

 

 

How much does a bus ticket cost?

 

My bus ticket for Matsumoto to Takayama cost 3,190 yen (US$30).

 

 

Wait for the bus!

Depending on how much time you have, you may just want to wait at the bus ticket counter area…

 

 

Or if you have more time, you may want to explore a bit of the building that the Matsumoto bus terminal is located in.

There are plenty of places to eat, and there’s also a grocery store which is another place where you can possibly find cheaper food in Japan. (Ready-made food or snacks.)

 

 

If you have several hours, you may consider going out and exploring the streets of Matsumoto, including the Matsumoto Castle. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the bus station.

You can get a walking map from tourist information center at the Matsumoto train station that’s nearby too.

 

 

There are coin lockers at the bus station where you can store your luggage so you can walk around Matsumoto hands-free.

 

 

 

Then, once it’s nearing the time for the bus to depart…

Time to leave to get on the bus!

Then, once it gets closer to the time that your bus departs, you can head outside to the platform.

There are information boards in the waiting area that will tell you what platform your bus will be at, and you can ask the workers at the bus ticket counter too.

 

 

And then you can head outside and find the platform for Takayama!

 

 

 

And then when the bus to Takayama shows up at the platform…

Get on the bus!

 

You’ll show your bus ticket to the driver.

If you want to store your luggage below the bus, there’s space for you to do so.

 

 

 

Enjoy the bus ride to Takayama through the mountains!

 

 

How long is the bus ride?

My bus ride was around 2.5 hours.

 

 

There’s also a stop at a rest area

 

Many long distance buses in Japan have toilets on the bus, but this bus to Takayama did not.

The stop for the rest area was around 1.5 hours into the bus ride.

You can buy some snacks here, and there’s also a gift shop for souvenir shopping if you’re quick!

 

 

This also might be your first glimpse at this little guy!

 

 

This is the mascot for the Takayama area, so you will see this guy often once you’re in Takayama! (Makes a good souvenir!)

There was also a fast casual restaurant and a hot springs foot bath, but since this was like a 10-15 minute stop, you won’t have time for a proper meal or to soak your feet. You can come back here as a day trip from Takayama though! There are bus passes that include a free meal here. You can find more information about the passes at the Takayama bus station.

 

 

And then…

Arrive at the Takayama bus station!

 

And upon arriving at the bus station, you might consider making your way inside the bus station before you leave to go to your hotel.

Inside, you’ll be able to find information about bus passes and day tours that you might want to consider! And maybe even buy a bus ticket for your next day’s activities!

 

 

Otherwise, you can make your way straight to your hotel!

 

 

And that’s a bit about the bus ride to Takayama from Matsumoto!

 

 

Where to stay in Takayama

I stayed at this hostel in Takayama. It has dorm beds and private rooms, and it can give you a Japanese-type feel! It’s located like a 5 minute walk from the bus station which is convenient if you plan on making multiple day trips from Takayama by bus. It’s also located a 5-10 minute walk from the “old city” of Takayama too. So basically, good location with a comfortable stay! You can check the prices and more pictures here, and here’s another sister location too. (partner websites)

 

And if you’re in Takayama during winter, consider visiting the Shinhotaka ropeway on a sunny day for the amazing winter landscape views!!

 

 

This can be a perfect day trip from Takayama!

And no matter the time of year, also look into visiting Shirakawago as a day trip from Takayama too!

 

 

HAPPY BUS RIDE FROM MATSUMOTO TO TAKAYAMA!